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Project Finance Associate

Chicago, Illinois, United States

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high-value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Project Finance Associate to join our growing team!

This position may be filled out of our Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, Oakland, CA, Chicago, IL, and Troy, NY offices. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and are free to work from the office or home on other days. Remote candidates who meet the qualifications are also encouraged to apply.

About the Role

This individual will participate in project development and financing of solar energy and energy storage projects, including detailed analysis of project risks and resolution thereof, as well as forecasting of critical development milestones. You will own a significant part of the process of development of solar energy and energy storage projects from project origination to the closing stages of project financing.

Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

  • Manage cross-functional teams to complete critical project development tasks through an in-depth understanding of real estate, project permitting, and interconnection;
  • Maintain checklists, schedules, and other project management tools required to keep the process organized and allow transactions to close quickly;
  • Lead the creation and organization of detailed data rooms and support all project marketing, award, and closing processes;
  • Track inter-departmental deliverables and forecast project milestone dates;
  • Communicate effectively and build relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients (project buyers);
  • Manage the progress of permitting, interconnection, and all of the associated contracts for projects;
  • Assist in the preparation and organization of legal transaction documents including LOIs and Membership Interest Purchase Agreements (MIPAs);
  • Assist in the drafting and negotiation of critical project contracts, including the site lease, PPA, easements, property tax agreements, etc.;
  • Any other duties, as assigned.

Desired Qualifications 

  • Minimum 2 to 4 years’ experience working in the renewable energy industry with a focus on project development and financing;
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Business or a related field; MBA desired.

Compensation 

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership.  We use a data-driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.

Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position in Chicago is $89,300-$103,570.  Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience.

Compensation for this position includes an incentive plan, about which we can go into detail in the interview process.

Benefits and Culture

New Leaf Energy’s success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy’s benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees’ contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:

  • Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;
  • A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);
  • An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;
  • A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;
  • A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;
  • Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We’re actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.

We seek a diverse candidate pool in this–and every–search. New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters

New Leaf Energy’s People + Culture team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. New Leaf Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. Resumes are only accepted from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies if a signed agreement is in place AND if external recruiting assistance is authorized by the People + Culture team for a specific position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of New Leaf Energy. New Leaf Energy is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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